Jex, going cheap at first is ok, but dont skimp too much on quality and especially on the accessories. Good accessories can make or break a good shooting bow. (A good arrow rest and quality arrows, are probably most important)
First and foremost though, make sure you have a qualified pro-shop size you up. A bow NEEDS to fit you perfectly for you to shoot to your best ability. Many archers err on the long side, which leads to many problems down the road. Many also shoot too much draw weight, that causes more probelems. So make sure you get started out on the right foot, and you will become a better archer faster than if you just try to jump into the game with ill fitted equipment. Otherwise you may spend years trying to break bad habits.
If you are near Lk. Hopatcong, you could stop into East Link Bait & Tackle. I'd help set you up with the correct size draw length and weight. If you're not near here, heres a chart to help you get close to the correct draw length.
Standing with your arms outstreched to the sides, but not over extended, have someone measure from middle fingertip to middle fingertip.
wingspan measurement = draw length:
68" = 26.5" draw
69" = 27" draw
70" = 27.5" draw
71" = 28" draw
72" = 28.5" draw
...(so on, and so forth)
This is only a rough estimate, different bows, releases, anchors, etc, can change the perfect draw length for you. But it will get you close!
For proper draw wieght, pick a bow that you will be shooting at the lower or middle range of the peak weight. (comfortably). This allows you to increase as those muscles build from practice.
A good way to find your comfortable draw weight is to sit flat on the floor with legs outstreched, and try to draw the bow straight back without raising the bow, dropping your draw elbow, or popping vessels in your neck. Another way is to draw the bow back 10 times while keeping it pointed at a target. Once again, you should be able to draw it straight back without any of the elbow dropping, sky shooting, struggle! Dont get caught up in shooting a lot of weight to be macho. 55#'s will kill any animal in North America.
Another thing to do is shoot as many bows in your price range as you can. This helps you get a feel for what you like and what you dont like. Grips, axle to axle length, brace height, cam design, they all play a part in how a bow feels to YOU.
Again though, no matter what bow you choose, make sure it fits you perfectly. Good luck, and if you have any more questions, contact me at;
[email protected]
(Hey guys, is this another one of my 500+ worders?)
